Dr Malik Amir Ali Khan Yousafzaiabout 7 years ago

Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that penetrates brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death. Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship PolicyOpportunitiesAd Choices Symptoms Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later. Mild traumatic brain injury The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: Physical symptoms Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented Headache Nausea or vomiting Fatigue or drowsiness Problems with speech Difficulty sleeping Sleeping more than usual Dizziness or loss of balance Sensory symptoms Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell Sensitivity to light or sound Cognitive or mental symptoms Memory or concentration problems Mood changes or mood swings Feeling depressed or anxious Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: Physical symptoms Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours Persistent headache or headache that worsens Repeated vomiting or nausea Convulsions or seizures Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears Inability to awaken from sleep Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes Loss of coordination Cognitive or mental symptoms Profound confusion Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior Slurred speech Coma and other disorders of consciousness Children's symptoms Infants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe: Change in eating or nursing habits Unusual or easy irritability Persistent crying and inability to be consoled Change in ability to pay attention Change in sleep habits Seizures Sad or depressed mood Drowsiness Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities When to see a doctor Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head. The terms "mild," "moderate" and "severe" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes Traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact. Common events causing traumatic brain injury include the following: Falls. Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children. Vehicle-related collisions. Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury. Violence. Gunshot